Sabres 101 provides 24/7 obsessive sports coverage of the Buffalo Sabres as a part of Sports Media 101. For news,
op/ed, game reviews, team updates and even rumors you will find all of it on Sabres 101. Have an opinion - join
the discussion and drop a comment. If it's about the Sabres, it's on Sabres 101.

A once daily email with the top 5 most important stories from around Sports
Media 101.

Email

News Archives

NHL, Players Agree to Federal Mediation; Talks Could Pick up This Week

November 26th, 2012 at 7:30 PM By Paul Lane Sabres 101

The National Hockey League and its players union may meet again this week to discuss a new CBA, and they'll have federal mediators with them wherever and whenever they get together.

ESPN.com reported the two sides agreed Monday to involve the Federal Mediation and Concilation Service in its ongoing labor talks. The FMCS acted as outside counsel during the 1994 MLB strike and worked with the NFL and NBA during labor negotiations in 2011. A three-man team will mediate the talks.

"At the invitation of the FMCS, and with the agreement of both parties, the the ongoing negotiations will now be conducted under our auspices," FMCS Director George Cohen said.

The NHL Players Association has hinted at the need for outside help in the labor impasse for weeks. The league has seemingly relented after it acted last week to cancel games through Dec. 14 as well as All-Star Weekend in January in Columbus.

"While we have no particular level of expectation going into this process, we welcome a new approach in trying to reach a resolution of the ongoing labor dispute at the earliest possible date," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said.

The mediators may soon be put to work. Pro Hockey Talk reported bargaining is expected to resume this week, although a day and time aren't yet known.

The two sides last met nearly a week ago. Salaries and contract lengths are among the key issues still dividing the two sides.